Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 11, 2026

Mechanistic Insight into the Development of TNBS-Mediated Intestinal Fibrosis and Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Rapamycin
10:21

Mechanistic Insight into the Development of TNBS-Mediated Intestinal Fibrosis and Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Rapamycin

Published on: September 12, 2019

Growth failure in Crohn's disease children: may the first treatment have a role?

Teresa Capriati1, Carla Bizzarri2, Anna Dilillo1

  • 1a Artificial Nutrition Unit , "Bambino Gesù" Children Hospital , Rome , Italy.

Expert Review of Clinical Immunology
|November 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Initial treatments for childhood Crohn's disease (CD) show limited long-term impact on growth. While some therapies aid short-term gains, reversing growth failure requires further investigation into optimal therapeutic strategies for pediatric CD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Background:

  • Growth failure is a common and persistent issue in children with Crohn's disease (CD).
  • Assessing the long-term effects of initial therapies on growth is crucial for managing pediatric CD.
  • Current research primarily focuses on the short-term growth impact of treatments in pediatric CD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the initial treatment in newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn's disease patients on their future growth.
  • To identify gaps in knowledge regarding long-term growth outcomes following various therapeutic strategies in pediatric CD.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed database from January 2002 to present.
  • Inclusion of studies documenting mid-term growth course in newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients.
  • Analysis of six identified surveys that met the search criteria.

Main Results:

  • Enteral nutrition in pediatric CD patients supports adequate height and weight gain.
  • Enteral nutrition does not appear to reverse the underlying growth deficit in pediatric CD.
  • Limited studies (six) were found that documented the mid-term growth course in newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances in pediatric Crohn's disease management, effective strategies to reverse growth failure remain unclear.
  • Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term growth outcomes associated with different therapeutic approaches in pediatric CD.
  • Comprehensive assessment of clinical outcomes alongside long-term growth trajectories is essential for optimizing pediatric CD treatment.

Keywords:
Crohn’s diseaseGrowthanti-TNFenteral nutritioninflammatory bowel diseasesteroids

More Related Videos

A TNBS-Induced Rodent Model to Study the Pathogenic Role of Mechanical Stress in Crohn's Disease05:08

A TNBS-Induced Rodent Model to Study the Pathogenic Role of Mechanical Stress in Crohn's Disease

Published on: March 1, 2022

Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis09:44

Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis

Published on: October 14, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...